El-Rufai lifts ban on religious activities, orders residents to observe Eid prayer

Despite that some northern states including Kano banned Eid prayers during the incoming Sallah festival, the Kaduna state government has lifted the ban on Eid prayers, which was imposed on the state as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premium Times reports that the announcement was made by the state government on its official handle, @GovKaduna on Thursday, July 23.

We gathered that the message indicated that Governor Nasir El-Rufai noted that Eid prayers would be permitted in the open spaces within the state.

“Malam Nasir @elrufai has disclosed that Eid prayers will be permitted in the state, but only in open spaces and with the observance of COVID-19 prevention protocols. Citizens are expected to return home after the prayers and not indulge in celebratory gatherings,” the statement said.

With this development, the residents would attend the two raka’at Eid-el-Kabir prayers taking place on Friday, July 31.

Recall that in its efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Kaduna, the residents were not allowed to observe Eid-el Fitr prayers after Ramadan in May.

Residents of the state have, therefore, welcomed the development, applauding the governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for relaxing the prayers’ restriction in the state.

According to NCDC’s reports on the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria, Kaduna state stands at number eight, with over 1289 cases.

980 people have been discharged, while 16 deaths have been recorded.

Kaduna state has recorded a significant increase in the number of cases of coronavirus. The NCDC COVID-19 cases as of Thursday, July 23, show that Kaduna recorded an increase of 28 more cases.

Meanwhile, we had previously reported that all traditional Sallah festivities to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir was cancelled in Kano by the state government.

It was reported that Muhammad Garba, the state commissioner of information, disclosed this in a briefing on Wednesday, July 22.

The commissioner noted that the decision was taken at the State Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, July 21, as part of its effort to integrate the success Kano has achieved in the fight against COVID-19.

Garba went on to note that congregational Eid prayers have been permitted under the strict observance of safety protocols to be supervised by government officials.